Pediatric Liver Unit

The Pediatric Liver Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center treats patients with a variety of illnesses, ranging from chronic diseases, problems that pass with the proper treatment and children after liver transplant.

The liver is the largest internal organ in our body. It has a reddish-brown color and is located in the upper right part of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm, to the right of the stomach. The liver plays a crucial role in numerous vital processes within the body. Its importance is such that during rest, over 25% of the blood output from the heart is directed towards it. Hundreds of continuous processes occur in every cell of the liver to maintain overall bodily health and function. The majority of substances absorbed by the intestines are directed to the liver, where they are processed before being released as building blocks to the rest of the body. The liver is involved in the metabolic exchange of sugars, proteins, and fats to ensure the body's various functions have an adequate supply. Additionally, the liver is responsible for detoxifying substances that enter the bloodstream, eliminating them from the body.